BAGUIO CITY – Six women who rendered exemplary service in their fields were chosen as this year’s outstanding citizens of Baguio.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Wednesday announced the selection of the following to the 106th Baguio Day honor roll: Basilisa Cachero-Pimentel for arts and culture; Dona Digna Salvador Rosario, professional/community service; Lilia Ronquillo Bautista, business; Dr. Leonarda Romasanta-Aguinalde, community service; Epifania Cabanban-Dao-ey, community service; and Maria Nela Bascos-Florendo, professional/arts and culture.
They will be awarded during the Baguio Day program on Sept. 1 8:30 a.m. at the Baguio Convention Center by the Society of Outstanding Citizens of Baguio (SOCOB) headed by Dr. Priscilla Macansantos.
Pimentel was selected for her contributions in field of music having served as supervisor in the said field of study for many years. She encouraged schools to form choral groups and to join competitions resulting to numerous awards and honors. Pimentel composed the official Baguio March entitled “Beautiful Baguio” and other hymns being used by several institutions.
Rosario, directress of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Montessori and NLAB School for the Blind, was extolled for her accomplishments in the field of education and community service. She initiated various social projects that benefited the poor and the visually impaired. She remained active in educational, religious and civic organizations.
Businesswoman Bautista was selected for her entrepreneurial achievements which she shared through academic scholarships, livelihood programs and assistance for the needy.
Aguinalde was cited for her public service initiatives which she pursued side by side with her profession as an educator. She is currently the vice president for administration of the University of the Cordilleras and head of the UC’s community arm known as the UC-Project H.E.L.E.N.
Dao-ey’s pioneering work to uplift the condition of women and her engagement in various community works earned her a spot in the roll of honorees. Even while managing the Easter Weaving, she was able to allot time and resources for her other civic affiliations.
Florendo, a history professor at the University of the Philippines Baguio, was lauded for her dedication to her craft honing of future historians. She was credited for her contributions in the writing of the history of Baguio City and the Cordilleras as well as the history of the city’s barangays.
The outstanding citizens will be joined by two special honorees Vallejo, California expatriate Dinah Villanueva and multi-awarded ultramarathon runner Marcelo Bautista.
Villanueva was instrumental in the establishment of the sisterhood relationship between Baguio and Vallejo while Bautista’s string of victories in his sport earned him the special plaudit.
The judging committee is headed by the mayor with Dr. Julie Cabato, Lenora Fe Brawner, Helen Tibaldo, Judge Clarita Tabin, Engr. Felino Lagman and Bishop Oscar Magallanes.
The screening committee is composed of former Baguio Day awardees namely Mercedes Carino, Dr. Marcelino Dizon Jr., Arch. Rafael Chan, Marlene De Castro, Gloria Leal and Ellen Badival./ A Refuerzo
